Courses
Course Coding. The courses listed in the Catalog are coded as follows:
- Courses numbered 100 to 299 are rated as lower division courses.
- Courses numbered 300 to 499 are rated as upper division courses and are generally restricted to juniors and seniors.
- The credit value of each course appears parenthetically following the course title in the course descriptions. The unit of credit is the semester hour.
Credit Hour. A credit hour is a unit of academic work consisting of 50 minutes of instructional time, or two or three such periods of laboratory work per week, throughout the standard 15-week semester. In addition to the in-class work, the student is expected to spend at least two hours outside of class. For terms other than the standard 15-week semester, an equivalent amount of instructional time is required.
Directed Study. Directed study is available to junior and senior students who need to complete a catalogued course at a time other than when it is offered. Each department has designated which courses may be offered by directed study. Each directed study must be done under the supervision of a qualified faculty member who will meet with the student from three to five hours per credit hour of the course. An additional fee applies for directed study courses.
Independent Study. Independent study is available to students who wish to explore a particular area of study outside a classroom setting. Projects must be carefully designed and directed toward a specific goal under the direction of a qualified faculty member who meets regularly with the student during the study. An additional fee applies to independent study courses.